The Rescue Mission’s biggest fundraiser just got bigger in terms of dollars raised. The Drumstick DASH netted $265,400, smashing the record set last year by more than $14,000.
“God has continued to bless this event over the years, more than we could have ever imagined” says Race Director Uneita Mathews. “We were excited to start a new decade of ‘Moving Our Feet So Others Can Eat,’ and what a great way to start with a huge outpouring of love for the Rescue Mission.”
Over 12,500 runners, walkers, dogs, strollers and volunteers were out on the route Thanksgiving morning. Participants came from all over Virginia and as many as 35 other states. Folks who couldn’t be in Roanoke on race day ‘Dashed Away’ in ten states and internationally.
The DASH supports the food services department at the Mission, which serves about 750 meals a day. The money is raised through registrations and corporate sponsorships, which this year totaled 79 and set another record of $136,000 in sponsorships. “We are constantly amazed at the overwhelming support we see from the community for the Drumstick DASH,” says Mission CEO Joy Sylvester-Johnson. “It’s a treasured family tradition for so many and at the same time provides for many families in crisis.”
The winners for the largest group registrations are as follows:
• Largest Family Group – The Honeycutt Family and the Baum Squad
• Largest Church Group – New Hope Christian Church
• Largest Business Group – Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo also won for largest overall group with 150 participants.
• Largest School Group – Hidden Valley High School Dashers.
To date, the Drumstick DASH has netted $2.1 Million for the Rescue Mission.
